I’m so proud!

Late Friday night, the New York State Senate passed the same-sex marriage bill 33-29, making New York the sixth (and largest) state to legally recognize same-sex marriages.

“Legally recognize” is important, because the last amendment to be attached to the bill – which really seemed to be the last sticking point – was a religious protection amendment. Basically, the amendment protects churches and religious organizations from being penalized if they choose not to recognize the marriages, perform ceremonies, rent facilities, etc.

I would never presume to speak for anyone who will be directly impacted by this bill – but that seems fair to me. It doesn’t seem all that much different from the Catholic church not recognizing marriages between men and women under certain circumstances. Personally, I wouldn’t affiliate myself with, or celebrate, a religion that looks down on anyone. I suspect anyone looking for the freedom to marry isn’t going to be too concerned that they can’t have their reception at a certain hall, since that’s not really what it’s about.

It’s really about civil rights. It’s about all people being treated equal. It’s about us treating each other with respect and dignity, and recognizing that no one person’s rights or beliefs are more important than anyone else’s.

Senator Mark Grisanti (R – Buffalo) was the 33rd vote. He’d previously been opposed to the bill; then he was undecided. When he explained his vote, he said that he could find “no legal reason to not support the bill.” So he changed his vote to yes – a vote which the Senate did not need, as only 32 votes were needed to make the bill a law.

Doing the right thing isn’t always easy. It’s also not easy to admit you might have been wrong; that you’ve learned, and in doing so, changed your mind. It’s especially not easy when it comes at a potentially high cost to you professionally as well as personally.

I’m proud of, and impressed by, the senators who stood up and did the right thing on Friday. I’m impressed by our Governor who introduced this bill, and worked with our legislature to make sure it happened.

I feel a little bit of pity (and frankly, anger) for the senators who didn’t. Especially my senator, Hugh Farley, who voted no – even after I, and I’m sure others, asked him to reconsider. I expect better from my representatives; after all, that’s why they are elected to make decisions on our behalf. I expect them to set aside their personal beliefs and preferences.